‘NPA leader surrenders’

From the Visayan Daily Star (May 30, 2020): ‘NPA leader surrenders’

Another New People’s Army leader, who was recruited to join the rebel movement while he was still a minor, has abandoned the armed struggle and surrendered to the 15th Infantry Battalion in Cauayan, Negros Occidental, its commander, Lt. Col. Erwin Cariño, said yesterday.

Albert Yanong Alon, alias Ka Butsoy, squad leader of Sentro de Grabidad Platoon SYP of the South West Front, is the third NPA leader to surrender to the 15th IB since May 14, Cariño said.

Alon, 27, who is a resident of Hinobaan, Negros Occidental, claimed that he was recruited to join the NPA when he was 16 years old, Cariño said.

Because of his experience as a seasoned combatant, Cariño said, Alon told them that he was appointed by their leadership as platoon leader operating in northern and southern Negros.

On May 14, Hermosilla Villamor, alias Aya, a Front Committee member of the South West Front in Negros and Teody Manorte alias Koko, Squad Leader of SYP Platoon of the South West Front, also surrendered to the 15IB in Cauayan, as a result of the Community Support Program of the Philippine Army.

Cariño said that Alon called on his comrades to abandon the meaningless armed struggle.

Hinobaan Mayor Ernesto Estrao said he welcomed the decision of his town mates, who are fighting against the government, to abandon the armed struggle, stressing that the municipal government is ready to help them in their re-integration to society.

Cariño assured Alon of benefits due to him under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program of the government.

https://www.visayandailystar.com/2020/May/30/topstory11.htm